MTA moves forward with cameras on trains

Following a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Metro-North Railroad, on behalf of itself and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) , intends to move forward on a plan to install outward- and inward-facing video and audio recorders.

"The MTA is committed to safe operations at all its agencies," said Thomas Prendergast, MTA chairman and chief executive officer. "We will be systematically implementing recommendations put forward by the NTSB and other regulators to ensure the best practices are adhered to throughout the MTA family."

Prospective vendors will be asked to design, manufacture and deliver an on-board video recording system. The base order would cover the newest cars in the railroads' fleets, Metro-North's M-8s, both railroads' M-7s and cab cars, as well as all locomotives. This includes 843 rail car cabs for Metro-North and 926 cars for LIRR.

Metro-North committed to install cameras on trains in its 100-day Action Plan. The primary purpose of the cameras is to aid in post-accident/incident investigations. Another function is to deter behaviors that could affect safe train operations.